When Love Comes Late

Bennett, noticing Stella’s hesitation, spoke gently to Kyra.

“Grandma, we’ve been patient for so many years; a few more days won’t hurt.

Let’s give her some time to come around.

There’s no rush.

”

Kyra nodded, her expression tinged with sadness, and then she walked away.

Stella’s emotions were mixed.

After the three of them had left, Matthew pondered briefly before addressing Stella and Bella.

“No rush, take all the time you need.

I’ll be outside.

”

With that, he stepped out and caught up with the Lowell family just as they were about to depart.

They halted, and Bennett turned, a questioning look on his face.

“Is there something else?”

Matthew, recalling Neville’s earlier words, paused and then asked Byron, “I hate to bring this up now, but I need to confirm something.

Is there any connection between the Lowell family and the Charles family from Lyltmann?”

Byron shook his head in confusion.

“The Charles family? I’ve never heard of them,” he remarked, turning to Matthew with a puzzled Look.

“Why do you ask all of a sudden?”

Matthew observed Byron carefully, trying to gauge the sincerity of his words.

Not wanting to press the issue, he simply replied, “Nothing much.

Just confirming something.

”

Byron didn’t dwell on it more.

With a nod, he shifted the conversation.

“Mr.

Clark, could you please persuade Stella for us? We’ve been searching for them for years, but we didn’t have enough leads, which has delayed us.

We’ve been apart for so long and haven’t fulfilled our responsibilities.

Now that we’re getting older, we want to make up for lost time.

”

“I’ll respect whatever decision Stella makes,” Matthew responded evenly.

Byron hesitated, his voice hopeful.

“If Stella accepts us as her family, perhaps the relationship between the Clark and Lowell families can strengthen.

”

Matthew met his gaze directly and replied, “Whether Stella is related to the Lowell family or not doesn’t affect her.

She’s been unwell, and I trust you won’t pressure her.

”

Byron noted the genuine concern in Matthew’s eyes and felt a sense of relief, knowing Stella had someone who truly cared for her.

Yet, the longing to take her home weighed heavily on his heart.

He bit his lower lip, contemplating whether to say more, but then nodded silently, choosing to leave things be.

As they walked away, Matthew’s expression darkened, his mind racing with unanswered questions.

If it wasn’t because of the Lowells, then why was the Charles family targeting Stella?

He recalled something Kristian had mentioned before.

Perhaps it was time to meet with Kristian and finally uncover the truth.

Back in the hospital ward, the room fell quiet as the Lowells left.

Bella sat beside Stella’s bed, deep in thought.

Stella watched her, sensing the turmoil within.